In accordance with U.S. Government Principles for the Care and Use of Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training IV, procedures that cause pain or distress in humans should be considered to cause similar effects in animals, including late-term fetuses, unless the contrary is established.

The Attending Veterinarian and research animal veterinarians have the authority to ensure the provision of adequate sedation, analgesia, or anesthesia.

Methods or agents to prevent or alleviate pain or distress in research animals must meet the approval of the research animal veterinary staff. Consultation with a research animal veterinarian concerning appropriate management of potential pain and distress is a critical component of protocol development.

Methods or agents to prevent or alleviate pain or distress in research animals must be described in detail in the animal care and use protocol. The withholding of analgesics or anesthetics, or deviation from the recommendations of the veterinary staff, must be described in the animal use protocol.

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) has the ultimate responsibility for approving pain management methods and agents in protocols to ensure that pain and distress in research animals is limited to that which is necessary for the conduct of animal activities.

References:

U.S. Government Principles for the Care and Use of Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training, 1983

Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 8th Edition, NRC, 2011

Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching, 3rd Edition, FASS, 2010